Photo credit: Ed Berger Photography

"American Idol" star and SupportMusic.com spokesman Justin Guarini (center) joins Kerry Washington (left), winner of the 2005 NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress, Rachel True (right), star of the UPN hit series "Half and Half," and (front) 9-year-olds Christopher David Maree and Jasmine E. Townes, two Junior Life Members of the NAACP, at the first annual NAACP Leadership 500 Summit, held recently in Destin, Florida. Guarini performed and addressed 500 attendees about the importance of music education in helping children build skills for academic learning and for life. The first annual NAACP Leadership 500 Summit encouraged the next generation of civil rights leaders to join the movement for social justice. The Summit opened with a keynote address from NAACP Chairman Julian Bond followed by two days of workshops, interactive panel discussions and facilitated general sessions that addressed economic development, the media, education, religion, law, health and entertainment.

Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its half-million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.

Supportmusic.com is the source of information for the largest online initiative ever in support of school music programs. Dedicated to inspiring action, Supportmusic.com offers resources to parents and educators to help them impact decision-makers to provide the funding, teachers and equipment needed for music education.